A sixth house has been added to a list of properties significantly damaged by fire in a Rocherlea street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In about two years, six houses in Cupania Street have been impacted by fire.
Now, Tasmania Police is investigating a deliberately lit house fire in Cupania Steet that occurred just after midnight on Wednesday.
About $250,000 worth of damage was caused to the unoccupied property.
The damage included a partly collapsed roof.
Tasmania Police said the property damage was significant.
The fire was “quickly extinguished” by Tasmanian Fire Service, police said.
Neighbouring properties were not affected by the fire.
Community Housing Limited, who manages the Rocherlea property, confirmed it was the second time there had been a fire at the house in a matter of weeks.
“There was a fire two weeks ago, but since then the repairs were undertaken and the property was safe and tenantable, but the tenant refused to move back in,” a Community Housing spokesperson said.
The tenant’s uncle, Chris Wells, said his niece was unable to move back into the property because of an incident that happened about 20 years ago where her young son died in a house fire.
Since the first fire incident, the windows of the house were smashed.
“The tenant reported the damage to the windows [on Tuesday], which was scheduled to be repaired [on Wednesday]. However, the property has since been destroyed,” the spokesperson said.
Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said individual cases would not be commented on as they are police matters, but said the government was working to reduce the impact of this crime on those who need access to affordable housing.
“It is disappointing that instances of arson and vandalism are affecting the availability of some properties for Tasmanians seeking access to public housing,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
- While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.